Arboriculture Internship
Come study at Mt. Cuba Center, a premier botanical garden that embraces ecological gardening and celebrates native plants. Gain hands-on experience in your specific internship area while working one-on-one with our professional staff. Participate in group projects, educational programming, plant identification classes, and trips to other local horticultural organizations. Each intern will complete a special project culminating in an in-house presentation of the results. The program runs from May 18, 2020 to May 7, 2021.
The Arboriculture Intern learns first-hand how Mt. Cuba Center manages our extensive collection of trees. The intern works in our gardens and natural lands areas on a full range of tree care tasks including planting, pruning, and removals. In addition, the intern becomes proficient at using the tools of the trade such as ropes, knots, pole saws, and pruners. Additional arboricultural skills learned in the program include identification of native trees, plant health care, and groundwork. Advanced training in tree climbing and the operation of a chainsaw and brush chipper will also be included in the internship. The intern will work closely with the Arboriculture Manager to systematically evaluate Mt. Cuba Center’s accessioned tree collection to determine their overall condition. The outcomes of the evaluations will assist the arboriculture team in making informed decisions on tree planting, maintenance, and removal. This internship presents an excellent opportunity for an individual who plans to pursue a career in arboriculture. Qualifications include attention to detail, self-direction, and the ability to lift 25 pounds.
Qualifications
The one year internship is designed for individuals with a degree in horticulture, forestry, ecology, environmental studies, associated plant fields, or museum studies who want to become professionals in public gardens. Through this internship, individuals with limited experience in the horticultural industry will also gain basic employment skills. Mt. Cuba Center, while very scenic, is remote and has no public transportation, walking, or bike lanes, so a car is highly recommended. [The use of Mt. Cuba Center’s vehicles for personal use is not permitted.]
Compensation
The internship pay is $11/hour for a 40-hour work week, medical benefits included. Housing is available on site at beautiful Mt. Cuba Center at no cost to the intern.
Application Process
Application deadline is March 1, 2020. Please apply early because interviews will begin in January 2020, as applications are received, and will continue until positions are filled, possibly before the March 1 deadline. For more information, email internships@mtcubacenter.org or call 302-239-8886.